Spilled Blood by J. Clifton Slater

Author:J. Clifton Slater [Slater, J. Clifton]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2017-05-31T18:30:00+00:00

Chapter 37 - Aromataque et Saccharo

Retired Centurion Kellerian bolted the door after the young Lance Corporal left. Despite what he’d told Sisera, he did miss the Legion and the comradeship of his fellow Officers. Before heading to the rear of the Historia Fae compound, he stopped at the fish scale armor and lifted it off the stand.

In short order, the gate on the compound opened and Tomas flicked a whip over the heads of the mule team. They jerked forward and the wagon bumped over the curb and into the street. He jumped down and secured the gate before climbing back into the wagon.

Three blocks later, he turned east on the boulevard. Four blocks from the east gate a patrol of four City Guardsmen approached the wagon.

“What are you doing out this late in the evening, Master Kellerian?” asked the Lance Corporal still ten feet in front of the mules.

“Heading the long way around to the tanners,” Tomas replied. “Giving the mules a little exercise.”

“It’s an odd time to be doing business,” another Guard suggested. “Maybe we should have a look in the wagon.”

“Sure, have a look. But be careful of Aromataque,” Tomas warned.

The Guard patrol was three feet in front of the mules when the mule on the left stretched out her neck and snapped at the guardsmen. Even as they danced away, she attempted to pursue them across the street. The only thing preventing the mule from attacking the guard patrol was the anchor of her teammate on the right.

“I was going to suggest you cross beside Saccharo,” Tomas said. “Aromataque is the reason I do business at night when the streets are empty. Still want to look in the wagon?”

Aromataque was twisted half way around in her harness and baring her teeth at the guardsmen. They inched along sideways until they were past the rear of the wagon.

“No, it’s fine Master Kellerian, you have a good night,” the Lance Corporal said as they walked away.

“Yo, Aromataque et Saccharo, move it. You stubborn mules,” Tomas ordered while snapping the whip over the team’s head.

The laughter of the guardsmen faded as they walked away and talked about the angry mule. Tomas turned the team and wagon onto the next street on the left and guided them towards the Fireguard District.

Behind him, men began yelling and shouting at the east gate. The guardsmen patrol reversed course and ran to help the sentries posted there. Tomas ignored the disturbance and kept a light hand on the reins as the team went from the clip-clops of the paved streets to the dirt and gravel road leading into Fireguard.

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